Have you ever wished you could indulge in a warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven, but didn’t want to bake an entire batch? Look no further than the small skillet cookie! This single serving treat is the perfect solution for those moments when you’re craving something sweet, but don’t want to go through the hassle of making a whole batch of cookies.
To make a small skillet cookie, you only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Flour, sugar, butter, and an egg are the main components of this delicious dessert. Of course, you can also add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your skillet cookie to your liking.
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, the process is simple and quick. Preheat your oven and melt the butter in a small skillet on the stove. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, then add in the melted butter and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms, then fold in any mix-ins you desire. Transfer the dough back to the skillet and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Once your small skillet cookie is out of the oven, resist the temptation to dig in right away. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then top it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The combination of warm cookie and cold, creamy ice cream is truly irresistible. Grab a fork and enjoy this delightful treat all to yourself!
Preparing the Ingredients
Prior to making a small skillet cookie, it is important to gather and prepare all of the necessary ingredients. The following is a list of ingredients you will need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before proceeding, as this will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. In addition, measure out the granulated sugar and brown sugar, packing the brown sugar firmly into the measuring cup.
Crack the large egg into a separate bowl to ensure that it is fresh and free from any shells or impurities. Add the vanilla extract to the bowl with the egg and lightly beat them together with a fork or whisk.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute these dry ingredients throughout the cookie dough and prevent clumps from forming.
Finally, measure out the chocolate chips and set them aside. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Gather all the necessary items
Before you begin making your small skillet cookie, it’s important to gather all the necessary items. Having everything prepared and within reach will make the process much easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
- A small cast iron skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the skillet
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or any desired mix-ins
- Optional toppings (ice cream, hot fudge, etc.)
Having all these items ready before you start will ensure that the baking process goes smoothly and you won’t have to pause to search for missing ingredients or tools. So take a few minutes to gather everything together, and let’s get started on making the perfect small skillet cookie!
Measure and combine the dry ingredients
Before you begin making your small skillet cookie, it’s important to measure out and combine the dry ingredients. This step ensures that the cookie will have the right texture and flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter cookie.
Next, add the baking soda and salt to the sifted flour. Using a whisk or a fork, gently stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add in a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of cocoa powder at this stage.
Once the dry ingredients are combined, set the bowl aside and move on to the next step of the recipe.
Mixing the Dough
To make a small skillet cookie, start by gathering all of the necessary ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that these dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. The butter should be at room temperature to make it easier to cream.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. The egg will help to bind the dough together, while the vanilla extract adds a delicious flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in a tough cookie.
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You can use as many or as few chocolate chips as you like, depending on your personal preference.
The dough is now ready to be transferred to the skillet for baking.
Cream the butter and sugars
In order to make a small skillet cookie, you will first need to cream the butter and sugars together. This step is essential for achieving a soft and chewy texture in the cookie. Start by ensuring that the butter is at room temperature, as this will make it easier to mix with the sugars.
Begin by placing the softened butter in a mixing bowl. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon. Next, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl with the butter.
Mix the butter and sugars together until they are well combined and creamy. This process will take a few minutes of mixing and will result in a light and fluffy mixture. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure that all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Once the butter and sugars are creamed together, you can proceed with the rest of the cookie recipe. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your small skillet cookie.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract
Once the butter and sugars are combined, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack two large eggs into the mixture and pour in a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Gently whisk the eggs and vanilla together with a fork until they are well incorporated into the cookie dough mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
The eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookie dough, giving it a delicious aroma.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough.
Once the eggs and vanilla extract are fully incorporated, you can move on to the next step in creating your small skillet cookie.
Adding Mix-Ins
Once you have the basic cookie dough recipe prepared, it’s time to get creative and add some mix-ins to enhance the flavor and texture of your skillet cookie.
1. Chocolate Chips
One of the most popular mix-ins for skillet cookies is chocolate chips. Choose your favorite type of chocolate chips, whether it’s milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, and fold them into the dough. The heat of the skillet will melt the chips slightly, creating pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.
2. Nuts
If you like a bit of crunch in your cookie, consider adding some nuts. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well in skillet cookies. Stir them into the dough, and they will toast slightly as the cookie bakes, adding a delightful nutty flavor.
Note: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure to choose mix-ins that suit your needs.
Remember, the sky is the limit when it comes to mix-ins. Feel free to get creative and experiment with other ingredients like dried fruits, shredded coconut, or even crushed pretzels.
Enjoy personalizing your skillet cookie with delicious mix-ins and make it truly your own!
FAQ
What is a small skillet cookie?
A small skillet cookie is a single-serving cookie that is baked in a small skillet instead of a traditional baking sheet. It is a fun and unique way to enjoy a warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven.
How do I make a small skillet cookie?
To make a small skillet cookie, you will need a small cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet, butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. First, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. Then, melt the butter in the skillet and add the sugar, mixing until well combined. Next, stir in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the skillet and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Finally, smooth the dough evenly in the skillet and bake for the specified time. Allow the cookie to cool slightly before serving.
Can I make a small skillet cookie without a skillet?
If you do not have a small skillet, you can still make a small skillet cookie by using a small oven-safe dish or ramekin. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cookie as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
What can I add to my small skillet cookie?
There are many delicious additions you can make to your small skillet cookie, such as nuts, caramel, peanut butter, or even a scoop of ice cream on top. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination.
Can I double or triple the recipe to make a larger skillet cookie?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger skillet cookie. Just make sure you use a larger skillet or dish to accommodate the increased amount of dough. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cookie may require a little longer in the oven.